Russia's Sirotkin joins Renault for 2019 F1 season

Barcelona, Spain: Russian Sergey Sirotkin has joined Renault as a reserve driver for the 2019 Formula One season, the French team announced on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Russian will serve as back-up for first-choice Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo.

"With Sergey, Renault has recruited an experienced driver who is on familiar terms with contemporary F1 racing," Renault said in a statement from Spain where teams are taking part in pre-season testing ahead of the first race of 2019 in Melbourne on March 17.

Sirotkin drove for Williams last season but was let go by the British team after finishing last with just one point in the drivers' standings.